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Friday, July 4, 2014

I'm Kinda Betty Crocker: Coffee Creamer & Protein Balls

It's been raining a lot in Iowa lately. And after a winter like the one we had, I'm not exactly happy about it. Typically, I'm the type that loves the rain. But, I feel like I've been stuck indoors for the greater part of the last 10 months and I want some fresh air, sunshine and a TAN. Yes, a freaking tan would make me extremely happy right now. Since complaining about the weather is probably one of the most annoying things someone can do, I will stop and move onto something positive about being stuck indoors all.of.the.time:

Plenty of time to be in the kitchen! I've been baking up a storm this past week. I actually perfected a ridiculously healthy lactation/brewers yeast bar that trumps my previous recipe: I'll be sharing that soon.

Today I'm sharing with you two recipes: one for homemade coffee creamer and one for protein balls: a staple in my household.

Why make coffee creamer when you can just buy the ridiculously delicious stuff from the grocery store? Well, unlike the stuff at the store: when you make creamer yourself- you have CONTROL over the type of ingredients you are putting into your body. There isn't a plethora of additonal additives and dyes, all the stuff that your body doesn't need. This recipe would work well a million ways, and I plan on experimenting more in the future with it and other flavors: I will report back to you on my progress. But, trust me: you won't feel like a Fatty McFatterson dumping a half cup couple tablespoons of this into your coffee. It's creamy, light and honestly, costs way freaking less then the stuff at the grocery store.

:Recipe:

1 Cup Heavy Cream

1 Cup Milk

(I used unsweetened Almond Milk but you can use whatever you'd prefer)

2 tsp. Stevia

2 TBSP. Pure Vanilla Extract

:Directions:

Gently mix together all ingredients and pour into a container of your choice and keep stored in the refrigerator.

:Optional:

Add 1 tsp. Cinnamon (I used this and it's awesome)

or

Sub heavy cream for sweet condensed milk (will make a creamier consistency but will not be naturally sweetened)

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Now, these protein balls taste like cookies I tell ya. They are amaze-balls. (Get it? Amazeballs because PROTEIN BALLS. GET IT? Get it?!) Anyway, this recipe is super easy and no bake: so you don't have to turn your oven on and get your house all toasty (for those of you who are actually experiencing summer weather that this would even be a concern of yours.) I have to usually make a double batch or make this 2-3 times a week because my family goes through them so quickly. Depending on the size you roll, this recipe yields about 25-30 balls when about 1 inch in diameter.

:Ingredients:

1 Cup Natural Peanut Butter

3/4-1 Cup Local Honey

3 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Cup Rolled Oats

1 Cup Sliced Almonds

3/4 Cup Dried Fruit*

:Directions:

In a saucepan, melt together peanut butter and honey.

Add all dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll into 1 inch balls.

Store in refrigerator.

*In this batch I used 2/4 cup of craisins + 1/4 cup of diced, dried apricots. Chocolate chips would also work well in this recipe.

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Welp, hope you guys like the recipes and have a GREAT Fourth of July Weekend!